Conquering technology one step at a time

OH MY ---- shipping to Canada. I didn't even think of that, as some companies won't ship to Canada and vice versa because of high shipping costs. Isn't that just the silliest thing, considering we are next-door neighbors? 

I have found a solution: an account with a cross-border shipping company. If I want something from the US and the shipping is high, I send it to my "address" in the US. Then I pay about $10 to have it shipped from the warehouse to Canada, and that warehouse is about a ten-minute drive from my house. 

I recently ordered something, and it came back undelivered. Hmmmmm --- after some investigation, I realized I had two addresses for the warehouse. The old and the new. Let's just say that the old address is now in the recycling. Why would I hang onto the old one when it had been replaced? I am my own worst enemy sometimes. So when that package finally arrives in Canada, I'll share it with you. Obviously, I don't order much from the US. 

However, if you want one of those fine tips for the glue bottles, check out the dollar store. Yep -- I found some of those applicators with the short needle at the dollar store. It was a smaller, lesser-known store. The tips I bought were on plastic bottles, so you can put the glue in and all is good. 

I believe someone mentioned you can buy them at Michael's in the cake-decorating department as well. 

Here's the thing -- as soon as someone discovers a tool, and it becomes a useful one for quilters, the price goes up! I'll try to take pictures of what I have and share tomorrow, although that might be a challenge since I'll be on the road. I'll see what I can do. 

I'm happy to report that the two presentations for today are DONE! It took a lot of work to make that happen, and I could still fuss with them, but they are as good as they are going to get! 

I can't believe how hard everyone worked over the last couple of days to complete the quilts for Color My World! Of the 50-some people in the class, many have completed (or almost completed) quilt tops. I can't wait to share those with you. 

Here are a couple more items I bought while I was away. This is a cute highland cow, digitally printed, and would be perfect for experimenting with thread painting. 

Highland Cow digital panel

And here's another panel that I didn't really need, but it looked like something fun to play with. It would be good for the sides of a bag? 

A sewing-themed panel

I have learned what causes me great angst in my life. It's when I am not in control of things. And by that, I mean, I may have tons of stuff rolling in my head, and they need to be written down. I have to prep something, and I'm pressed for time, or I haven't even started. Or it can be a technology issue that needs to be resolved because I need the technology to do whatever I need to do. 

Yesterday was no exception, but I'm happy to say that as the day went on, my stress level decreased. The thing that I have to combat is that I'm a stress eater, so when I'm stressed, I want to eat chocolate. In particular, milk chocolate, so I won't even allow it in the house! 

I don't think I mentioned this the other day, but when I went to the gym, I stepped on the scale. OH, and that's all I'm going to say. I know it's only a number, but I can't afford to let things get out of hand. I have worn-out tendons in both knees, and I can't afford to be carrying any extra weight. Let's say that I ate a few too many donuts over the past couple of weeks. I was not happy. 

I know what the culprit is - SUGAR. I might as well tape anything with sugar in it to my hips, as that is where it goes. And when I cut sugar completely out of my diet about 12 years ago, I weighed the least I have weighed in a long time. I don't want to become anorexic, and that will never happen in my life. But I'm starting to cut out sugar again. 

I do like my small bits of chocolate every day, and I won't eliminate that. I have decided to halve the quantity—from four Ritter bar squares to two. Guess what? I'm OK with that, and with my high stress level yesterday, I was able to talk myself out of eating more. I don't need it - it's a crutch. No alcohol, which is easy to eliminate, I barely have anything to drink. No pop, which I don't drink much of anyway. It's the desserts -- those are the killers in my world. So there will be no more desserts. 

Nope—not even a taste, because I don't need it. I don't want it, so why should I eat it? That will be tough, but I should be able to manage it - we don't have desserts in our house, and it's easy to just say no. But I've become lax in that department, and the scale shows it! 

Just say NO!!!! I'm a big girl, and I need to think about my mobility! Someone recently told me that the majority (I've forgotten the percentage) of fire department jobs involve picking up people who have fallen in their homes!!! And if you are heavy, it becomes an even greater issue. I refuse to let that be me. 

Now back to the technology woes. I needed to scan a document, but my printer wouldn't connect. Nope - it was offline, and I struggled to get it back. However, I managed to make that happen and scan what I needed. But why? Can you tell me why the printer was offline when I had no issues printing something the day before? 

Then, when I tried to print, the page was entirely blank. But it worked just fine the day before. I didn't have time to fix that issue. 

The biggest issue was that I had to update some software that I needed. I kept getting reminders that an update was available, but every time I checked, it said that all was OK. I knew it wasn't because I was missing a couple of features. Sigh....... Yesterday was the day to fix that - of course it was, when I was under the gun for time!

I sent a note to the support team, and then I thought, all I have to do is uninstall the software and reinstall it. That leads to signing in and passwords, which are a struggle for me, but guess what? It worked, and the new features are there. That was a long overdue update! 

I sent another note to the support team, and can you believe I got a response a few hours after I sent the original? Yep!!!! That was impressive. And they essentially told me that uninstalling and reinstalling was the only way to solve the problem. I should have done that months ago!

Anyway, this is the result of my messing around. I'm experimenting, and while it didn't work quite as I wanted, getting all the technology to work was huge. 

The results of my experimentation

I'll mess around with it later today and see what I can do to improve it. It's interesting to see how the different fabric (green) was much more successful than the red. It's the type of fabric (batik versus regular cotton), and it's also the size of the letters and the fonts! So much room for experimentation. There is NO fusible on the back of this, and those pieces are very tiny! 

So much for a guard dog!! Lexi was sleeping on the job! I guess that is why she was stretched full length so that anyone had to step over her to get into DH's office. 

Mom - I'm on the job - privacy please!

And Murphy? She likes making a mess! Her blankets are now strewn across the floor! 

Mom - just doing a little housekeeping and fluffing the blankets!

Bob Ross is still going strong! It's hard to believe, but I spotted this magazine at the drug store. 

Bob Ross - still going strong.

Well, I need to get myself going. I have to walk the girls, then head off to do the two presentations. Then I'll spend the afternoon prepping for my three-day road trip. It's by car, so that should be easier than the plane? OH -- I just checked -- it's only 2½ hour drive, not three as I thought. That half hour makes a huge difference! 

If you are in the Petrolia area, be sure to check out the events on Monday and Tuesday. Lots of stuff about quilting and embroidery software. It's going to be super fun!!! The store is Stitcherie in Petrolia. 

Here is the link to one of their events. You can find the others on their Facebook page. 

Have a great day!

Ciao!!!!

 

Bob is back in town!

Oh my --- I've got a taker for the brown paper! Yeah --- I'm so glad to find a home for it. I didn't get a chance to go through any more of the bins and didn't touch much on the cutting table. Where are the days going? But it's time to get things organized for 2023 and I spent some time (a lot of time) with my calendar yesterday. Dates are organized  at last! And now it's time to get that information out to you! 

Everyone who expressed an interest in the embroidery software club, digital cutters, and EQ8 should have received an e-mail last night. Yeah -- I will get through this stuff. 

A productive meeting in the morning, which consumed a LOT of time, but was well worth it. Then I got to work - that's a lie. I had a nap! Then I went for a walk and then I got to work. 

I changed all the lights. Elle sent me a comment, but I need to digest what she said first and I'm behind in responding to the comments. ACK!! What I could do with ONE more hour in the day. 

The box of dead lights

Everything went smoothly with changing the lights, except when I tried to force one of the dead ones into this box. 

Ooopsy!

I picked up the larger pieces, but need to get the Swifter out and get the rest. Oh my -- those baseboards are a wee bit dusty! I tell you, it's a constant job to keep that room clear!

But the lights are in and it's a LOT brighter, especially in the corner where I do my Zoom and now will do my puzzles. I'll take the box of dead bulbs off to the hazardarous waste depot on Friday, when I have a number of errands to do. It's hard to tell in the photo, but it's much brighter! 

It's much brighter!

I walked to Diane's and picked up some scraps which Iwill have fun reassembling into squares and then it goes back to Diane for assembly. We have a good system working! As a matter of fact, I need some scraps for this coming weekend, so that was timely. OK -- so I have tons of scraps at my house, but this was still good timing!

A bag of scraps

Here's the item from my "shopping" advent calendar. This time it's a roll of faux fur. Notice how we say faux instead of fake? It sounds nicer. This should be good for some applique. I did NOT touch my advent calendars yesterday. Hopelessly behind with the puzzle one! At this point, I'm almost tempted to set it aside for next year. I just don't have time! And I want the easier one!! Customer quilts and class set-up is taking priority these days. 

A roll of faux fur

And here is the customer quilt of the day. I have a few that need to be trimmed and that will be the goal for today. We (Murphy, Lexi, and I) have company today, so I don't expect to get too much done. And that's OK -- I have planned for this day! 

Customer quilt

And one quilt got bound. So I'm making progress -- just not fast enough or so it seems. No worries. It'll all work out. 

One quilt bound

That Lexi --- she has ZERO qualms about jumping up now when she feels like it. However, I do NOT move the table and she quickly jumped down when her pleading eyes did not change my resolve. Dad would likely have caved, but Mom won't!

MOM -- a little help here! 

And Bob is back in town! Bob? That would be my challenge piece for the Bob Ross Cherrywood Challenge. I haven't opened it, but look at the cool box they returned it. I might just keep that box in hoping that my Monarch butterfly piece would be accepted. Bob left home about four years ago and now he's back. More on that another day.

My Cherrywood challenge has returned home

So what do you think? I've been doing some research on the internet (where else does one do research these days?) and look what I found. An ORANGE Sonos speaker. Sadly, my black one is working just fine and I cannot justify buying the orange one, but it's pretty sharp!

Orange Sonos speaker

For those of you in the machine embroidery world, you'll love this. This is from an ad in a 1993 quilt magazine. It's the LATEST and BIGGEST embroidery space on the market. Look at the size! 70 mm by 125 mm. For those of you who prefer inches - that's 2 5/8" by 5".

A "massive" embroidery space

It's hilarious as the largest our brand does now is 360 by 350 mm. A few changes have happened in the industry. But how much bigger can they realistically go on the home machine? Has the limit been reached? How big can the machines go before no one could lift them. Unless you get into a frame system, like a long arm frame and then you're not talking about a domestic sewing machine any longer. But watch -- that type of system will come. It's actually possible today, but I'm not going there right now. 

Well, it's time for spin class. There is so much paperwork to do and I SUCK at paperwork! But I'm getting better -- I'm tackling it, not ignoring it. But that is life! While exercising the brain is important, it's also important to get out of the houoe and do some exercise. I NEED to stretch more! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!

Monday sewing

I've been taking applique or embroidery to Monday sewing and frankly - I can't do it all day. I get bored and that makes me sleepy. I thought it might be the sitting all day but nope - it's the applique. Note to self - try to avoid ALL hand applique in the future! Unless the project is small. I have a couple more hand applique projects to finish and I might just switch to machine applique. I can do the prep there but stitch at home. Something to think about as I get stuff organized for 2020.

So for the next FIVE weeks, this is what's on my schedule.

Number of speaking engagements: ZERO
Number of classes to teach: 2 (short ones), possibly 3
Community projects sewing days: 2, possibly 3 (including today)
Number of Sit n Sews: 2 (that's the official sit n sew days)
Road trip: 1 (it's just a one-day thing)
UFO club: one time (includes pizza lunch!)
Dentist appointment: 1
Monday sewing days: 2 (one includes a pot luck lunch)
Customer quilts to quilt? LOTS


That's it! There are no Christmas dinner parties or running around like mad for shopping. The rest of the time is mine to do with as I please. That doesn't mean that I don't have a lot of things to do, but it means that I actually have the time to sit and do them at my leisure. I also have time to just relax. I so enjoy the Christmas season for that very reason. Around our house - all things are calm and quiet.

Speaking of calm and quiet - Studio B is ready! The pillowcase kits are cut. All is calm and quiet at the moment.

Studio B is ready

This is the prep area. The pillowcase bodies will be pinned to the bands at these two stations.

Prepping stations

Then the bands will be sewn to the bodies. I must find two more pincushions which I don't think I have so the pins can go in and back to the prep area. Oh yes - those lucky volunteers get to sew on those top of the line sewing machines today!!! The machines are turned on, threaded and have extra bobbins wound. Thanks to Jan for donating some thread to the cause! Much appreciated.

Sewing machines ready

This is the serging area where the side and bottom of the pillowcases will be serged. There are three sergers. All are threaded and tested, ready to go. Two are air threading sergers and one is not! Guess which one I did NOT like threading. But I'm getting good at threading so within a half-hour (more or less) all three sergers were ready to go.

Three serging stations

And last but not least, are two ironing stations.

Two ironing stations

And there's a finishing station where the ends of the serger thread will be tucked in. A bit overkill perhaps since there are 10 stations and about 12 of us in total, and not everyone will be here at the same time, but I wanted to have a place for everyone in the event, everyone is here at the same time - which is likely to happen between 10 and 12. We'll be rotating the jobs so no one gets bored.

How long will it take to make 100 pillowcases???? I have to say that I'm kind of excited about the day. And we MUST MUST MUST remember - this is about quality, not quantity. If we don't finish in one day - we don't finish.

Yesterday was all about Bob Ross and there's one thing I forgot to mention. You can buy just about any kind of Bob Ross merchandise. Go ahead - do a Google search on Bob Ross merchandise. OK - I saved you some time. Just click on that link! There's tons of stuff. Anyway, at the retreat, Lynn was telling us about a Bob Ross item that her daughter had purchased. How cute! And so guess what? I now have my own Bob Ross Chia Pet!!!!

Bob Ross chia pet

Isn't that hilarious!!!!  Thanks, Lynn - I have it out now and hope to get it going! I'm not the best with live green things but I'm willing to give it a whirl. I'll keep you up to date on its progress.

I shoveled the driveway yesterday morning and while I was doing that, I warmed up my car so I could chip the ice off the windows. There was almost a ½" of ice! Thankfully, it didn't take long to chip it off after running the car for a wee bit.

I did chip all the ice off the front steps in the afternoon when I got home from Monday sewing. The driveway is still snow-covered, but not icy - I already checked this morning, so the sewists should be just fine today.

I took some non-applique handwork that needed to be done. During the remainder of this year, I'm going to try and finish things. As many things as I possibly can. So that means, I'll be focusing on small things. And I've got a LOT of small things. Zippered pouches, bags and who knows what else I'll unearth. I can't wait to have my own private Sit n Sew days! I love my friends, but I also treasure my solitude.

I started by taking the two placemats that I bought at the dollar store apart. I like the inside of my zippered pouches to be finished so by taking them apart, I can add a bit more interfacing and have all the seams inside. The placemats are the perfect size for a zippered pouch. And there's NO waste. I've got to find zippers.

Two placemats are taken apart 

I trimmed all the thread and removed the stabilizer from my 3-D gingerbread house. Now my PRE-FAB gingerbread pieces are ready for assembly next week. Oh yes - I have to tell you the story of the gingerbread house, but not today.

Gingerbread house components are ready for assembly

I have to say that I'm very happy (and getting very comfortable) with using my iPad as my manual and instructions. The instructions for the gingerbread house? They're on the iPad. The manual for that non-air-threading serger that I had to thread this morning? It's also on the iPad. Now here's the beauty of that. When I had to see the diagram up close to identify the thread path - it was super easy to enlarge the diagram on the iPad.

I'm so glad that I've moved over to the iPad for as many things as I can. And I'll continue to do so. Guess what? It cuts down on the amount of paper that I print. It cuts down on the amount of paper that I can lose. And it cuts down on the amount of paper that becomes precious to me and that I feel compelled to save in a pile in the office.

Using the iPad is a win-win-win for me. I truly wish there was a better filing system though. It sucks and I'll be writing a letter with suggestions to Apple soon. Seriously - ask people who use the darn thing and NOT just for books. The stuff I'm saving is .pdf files. They need a good filing system for .pdfs!

The last thing I accomplished yesterday on Monday sewing was to get these two geckos trimmed and stuffed. (Not an easy task!) They are an in-the-hoop project done on the embroidery machine. They're super cute. All my other ones ran away so I needed to get these two done. All that remains is to sew up the seam along the tummy area (by machine) and I'll try to get that done in the next couple of days.

Two geckos - almost done

So you see - I'm being super productive with my time. That doesn't mean that I don't spend the evening being a slug in my chair reading. I do every single night (that I'm home) and I love it!

I think I mentioned this craft case last week? It's a great case and Lynn managed to snag one for me. Thanks, Lynn!!!!  These were at Wal-Mart, but not my Wal-Mart. For some reason at this particular location, the cases were $2. Yes - someone made a goof because Lynn price-checked another location and they were $10!!!!  I think I'm getting another one from Liz - that's OK - I think it's going to make a great travel case for sewing supplies and I might just keep one for home as well. Sorry - if you're looking for more - Lynn bought the last two on the shelf at the lower price.

Great sewing case

I'll be filling it next week so you can see it in more detail. But I think it's great and a HUGE thanks to Liz who alerted us to the case and to the special price.

On that note, I'm out of here.

We've got pillowcases to make!!!!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Bob Ross

Bob Ross - who is this guy? I'd never heard of Bob Ross before the Cherrywood Challenge 2019 theme was announced last November. Turns out, he's a pretty famous painter even though he died in 1995. Funny how people become even more famous after they die! Or that their legacy lives on forever.

If you want to know all about Bob, here's an hour-long documentary about him. And if you want to know what happened to all his paintings - have a look at this incredible video.  That second one is only 10 minutes long. Even Ronda's 17-year old son knows about Bob Ross. I want to know why he knows of Bob Ross.

I think you all know what happened. The Cherrywood Challenge theme (Bob Ross) was announced in November. My fabric mule (Shelly) acquired a bundle for me from The Cotton Harvest Quilt Shop in Seaforth as they carry the complete line of the gorgeous hand-dyed Cherrywood fabrics. Then the thinking cap went on with a July 1 deadline to submit photos. Here's more information on my blog about the previous challenges.

I made the piece with a few days (or perhaps minutes) to spare. The photos were submitted. Hmm - there are things I would change, but it is what it is. I awaited the day when the finalists were to be announced. Oh - I see people posting on Instagram and Facebook - they got in. I did not. But I hadn't received a rejection notice either. Oh well - rejection letters will likely come the following day.

Then I received a couple of congratulatory e-mails. WHAT???  I didn't get in - or did I?? After I checked through my JUNK in-box, there was a happy e-mail.

Tish, whose piece also got accepted, and I mailed them off together. They became part of the traveling show for this year. The entire show was in Houston and I've seen my piece several times from photos. But this was the first (and only) time I'll get to see it in person.

Ronda and I met up early in the morning and we were off to Shelly's house. Then we headed to Seaforth to have a look. Note - Ronda was driving - just in case you think I'm breaking the law with some of the pictures I'm going to show you.

Bob was up early as he was waiting to greet us as we walked in the door.

Bob Ross

Well, I just had to have a picture with Bob. He's much taller than I thought he was. Notice the slimming effect of wearing all black and half hiding behind Bob? I brought my Finalist ribbon with me as I had just received it in the mail a couple of days prior.

Me and Bob

Trina (the owner of The Cotton Harvest Quilt Shop) was there - what a fun person she is! Anyway, any of the finalists who got to see the show in person also got to sign the back of the Bob Ross pop-up. I know - he isn't real. But he looks good.

The finalists got to sign the back of Bob's pop-up

Where's that darn Sharpie when you need it! Anyway - a pen will do. I've now an official finalist in the Bob Ross challenge.

There's my signature - up top

There are a total of five traveling shows. All the Canadian finalists are in the Green Show (there are 9 of us). You can check out the various shows (whose quilt is in which show) and where each show will be shown.

There were over 400 entries and 200 were selected for the show. The competition was TOUGH and I'm honored to be a finalist. I couldn't care two hoots about a ribbon - I'm just glad to have been accepted.

There were also ten vendors at the show so we could spend money if we desired. I have to be honest, I didn't spend any money. I was looking for a particular fabric but none of the vendors had it. I told you, the economy will tank on my spending habits. When I see a new pattern, I think of how many "new" patterns are languishing in that stash room. It chills me to even think of buying more. Same thing with fabric. Don't get me wrong - I'll buy, but only if its something I need or absolutely can't live without. I did see a pattern that I'm going to teach this year because I want to make the quilt. It's something I've been wanting to make for a while. So watch for that. I didn't buy the pattern yet.

My budget yesterday was for the new kit and the book so it's not like I didn't buy anything.

The quilts were hung in two rows on either side of the vendors. I believe there were 60 quilts along this wall. This is where we started. I took a ton of photos. I'm totally blown away by the creativity and the techniques that everyone incorporated into their pieces. Just stunning!

Side one of the exhibit

Here's the second side. There were also 60 quilts on this side of the hall. Meaning that we got to see about 2/3 of the total exhibit. Hmm - do I find a location near to me with the missing two exhibits?? Hmm - the Brown exhibit which is the larger of the two exhibits that didn't make it to Seaforth will be in Grand Rapids, Michigan in August. Something to think about!!!!

Side two of the exhibit

My quilt was on the second side. OH MY  - there it is!!!!!!!!!  OK - it doesn't look like I'm going to my quilt, but it's right there!!!

My quilt!

Here's a better picture of me with my Bob Ross Challenge quilt. I called it The Bridge. Notice it's on the bottom, so I had to get down on my knees to get a photo beside it!

Me with my Bob Ross Challenge piece

As we were admiring my piece, I met up with Sheila and Edna. Sheila follows my blog and so I asked if they wanted to be on the blog today. Why not???  So good morning to Sheila and Edna. It was great to chat with you yesterday and thanks so much for following along with my crazy days. I appreciate it!!!!

Me, with Sheila and Edna

 Alas, it was time to leave! What a fun exhibit to see and so much talent and so many amazing ideas. My head is spinning. If you didn't make the show, that's a shame as it was well worth the drive.

I also got a copy of the Bob Ross Challenge quilt book. All 200 of the finalist quilts are in the book. I'm published!!!!

The Bob Ross Challenge 2019 book

 Here I am!!!! I don't even remember what I wrote about the quilt. I should read it!

The Bridge by me!

Of course, I had to buy the challenge kit for 2020. It's PINK in case you couldn't figure that out. The theme is Diana as in Lady Di. An FYI - if you were thinking of buying a kit and gasped at the price, the price includes the cost of registering for the challenge and helps to offset the cost of shipping the show. Challenges are the best thing in the entire world of quilting. I've done many challenges over the years and I've learned so much from each of them. Some have been "fails" - some have been total learning experiences and well - I wouldn't NOT do a challenge. It has broken my shell of being afraid to try new things. There's more coming on that soon!

The Cherrywood challenge kit for 2020

Here's my entry to the Van Gogh challenge in 2017. My Prince challenge isn't quite finished! I should get that done in the next couple of weeks. This piece didn't get accepted, but I still feel like a winner as I learned a lot from it. And I'm really happy with the final result.

My Cherrywood Van Gogh challenge piece

So keep in mind, I wasn't driving when I took these pictures. I was the passenger.

Yesterday was November 30. And as we passed the ski hill at Kelso, they were madly making snow. For those of you who live near the mountains, please excuse our little bunny ski hill!

Making snow

Then on the way back, I noticed on several occasions that farmers were actually out working the land. I thought that was hilarious when the ski hill was making snow. So then my goal was to snap a picture of a working tractor. I swear - we passed at least five of them. The first three, I wasn't thinking of getting a picture and the last two - well, let's call it operator error. But I did at least capture a field of corn. This was the LAST field as we neared the city. DARN!!!!!

So you have to pretend that you see a tractor working in that picture!!

A field of corn

We saw a sign alerting us to freezing rain later in the day - thank goodness the roads were absolutely dry and relatively good traffic all the way to Seaforth and back.

Freezing rain warning

There's this group of townhouses (I think) that has a very interesting paint job.  You could make a quilt out of that!!!

An interesting paint job on a group of townhouses

We passed a car that was on fire. Thankfully, that happened when there were six traffic lanes near Kitchener so when they went down to two lanes, we still got through fairly quickly.

A car on fire

 And when we passed the ski hill on our way home, they were still making snow!!!!

Still making snow at the ski hill

All in all - it was an awesome day spent with good friends, met new friends and had a small love fest with my quilt!

I have the ENTIRE day to myself today. I don't need to go anywhere, I do need to do a couple of things, but nothing difficult and nothing urgent. How cool is that?  I can hardly wait to get started. Oh heck - I've already started. Six more pillowcases are cut and one piece of embroidery is finished!!! Bring on the rest of the day!!!!

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!

It's all about the pillowcases

I'm short on time this morning. My girls are never happy if they get neglected and I have to squeeze in a walk for them before I get myself on the road to go and see my quilt in the Cherrywood Challenge display. So much pressure when you plan road trips with friends! No worries - it's all good.

I was up extra early this morning but that was to cram a wee bit more embroidery into the day and to help out someone by proofing some instructions they wrote (it helps me too - so I'm good with that). Besides, this person is a good resource and I need to keep her happy! I've already done both of those things and I managed to cut more pillowcases. It's not even 6:30 AM!

I was taking stock of the pillowcase situation since our 100 pillowcases in a day sewing marathon is mere days away. I now have 78 completed kits. The bodies are matched to a band and they are tucked inside their own plastic bag waiting to be sewn together.

I think there are 20 more complete kits coming on Tuesday, along with some extra bands or bodies that need matching up. Plus I have at least 20 bands or bodies myself that need matching up. I'm not sure exactly how the day will go - I think 100 will be more than enough for one day.

More pillowcase kits cut

The second box of the pillowcase kits

I do have the 17 pillowcases that Pat donated to me earlier this month and those will be picked up on Tuesday. Any extra kits or bands and bodies, I think they'll go in the box for the next round. It'll all depend on how the day goes. We might be finished the 100 by lunchtime and want to go longer, we might be finished at 3 and say enough is enough. I've no idea. And if the day finishes early? I'm OK with that.

Bottom line - we're going to have enough kits for our goal and we'll have a good start to our next sewing day. I think we are ten people going to sew that day. So each person has to make 10 pillowcases. And those 10 people are going to be very lucky - they don't have to bring sewing machines or sergers. The best part? They'll all be sewing/serging on some pretty fancy sewing machines and sergers so it's going to be a bonus day for all!

The next date will be in June?? And if you're interested in donating fabrics or perhaps volunteering to sew/serge that day, let me know. Don't know how to serge? A two-minute lesson and you'll be an expert!

I do hope to do some Facebook live sessions as well so those that can't be here get to see what is going on and of course, I'll be blogging about it.

I hope you enjoyed all those QUILTsocial posts last week. I had so much playing around with that amazing Husqvarna Viking Designer EPIC 2. What an amazing sewing/embroidery machine! With that built-in IDF system (the built-in walking foot), those pillowcases are going to go together in a snap! BUT -- we're aiming for QUALITY, not QUANTITY in our endeavor. Then the side and bottom will be serged and we all know how fast serging is!

So today is the last day of the Bob Ross show in Seaforth. Once again, here is the information in case you haven't made it and would like to attend. This is part of the Cherrywood Challenge (the 5th year) and I'm so honored to have a quilt in the show. I'll be taking lots of pictures today so you get to see it (if you haven't already) - but now you'll get to see a picture of ME beside my quilt.

Remember this show was brought to Canada by The Cotton Harvest Quilt Shop. This is a huge endeavor for them and we are extremely lucky that they took this upon themselves to host the show. As you're madly shopping this season, please, please, please - support the local quilt shops. If we don't, they won't be here next year. And please try to shop Canadian! I don't care if it costs more money - buy only what you need and you'll be fine. By the time you pay for shipping and the extra stuff that you had to buy to get that free shipping, work in the exchange rate of 1.37 or something ridiculous like that, then guess what? You could have bought it at almost the same price and only got what you needed and supported local shops.

On that happy note - I'm out of here. Got to get the girls out and then hit the road.

I can't wait to see my quilt.

Have a super day!!!!


Ciao!!!

North Star Show and Tell

While I did not get the first two items on my To-Do list done (I knew that wasn't going to happen), I made good progress on one of them and I did get a couple of urgent matters taken care of. The rest of the list awaits for me today. Now instead of telling you that I'll do a blog post on ToDo lists, I'm adding it to my list of topics. Done! I added two items - well possibly three to that list yesterday. As if I would ever lack something to say!

I'm so darn excited to share the show and tell from North Star quilt. This is a quilt designed by Elizabeth Hartman and we worked on it at The Hobby Horse since the beginning of January. Let's say the show and tell is pretty impressive. Someone thought it was the MOST finished tops AND quilts that we've ever had. I know a couple of people (whose tops are done or almost done) couldn't make it so maybe this was the best year ever!

North Star by Elizabeth Hartman

Let's have a look. I'm going to try really hard to get the names of everyone.

I'll start with Marg's quilt. She wasn't able to attend the class on Saturday, so I got a picture of her quilt top on Monday sewing. Marg used the kit - I thought she made a few changes to some of the fabrics but I don't remember. She just had the two side borders to put on and then the top is DONE.

Marg's quilt

The first up from Saturday is Sophie. She used Northcott Toscana for the entire quilt! Shoot - I should have gotten a close up of each quilt but perhaps if you click on the photo, it'll enlarge a wee bit. She moved the blocks around from the original to balance the colors.

Sophies's version of North Star

I believe this was Nancy's. She was using the kit and she's assembled it the same way the pattern is. Notice the dark sashing between the blocks. The last three blocks are together and I would imagine by now that the top is done! I think she changed the walrus fabric. I could be wrong on that.

Nancy's quilt

We hadn't seen several of Sharon's blocks so here's Owen the Owl.

Owen the Owl

Meridith the Musk Ox

Fritz and Fred fox

Sharon also wanted an opinion on what sashing to put in her quilt. Instead of it just being a one-on-one, it was a great teaching moment so the group decided that this GLOW IN THE DARK fabric was perfect. Can't wait to lay under that quilt in the dark!

Sashing for Sharon's quilt

This is Kathi's quilt. I remember at the beginning of the year that she "struggled" with what fabrics to use for her version. Then she got on a roll and well - she had loads of fun. If you look close, she found the appropriate animal fabric for each animal. Narwhale fabric?? You bet!!  Someone said it looks like they're wearing PJs. It's such a fun quilt and a great way to make this quilt her own. You nailed it, Kathi! All the animals have been rearranged as well.

Kathi's quilt

 Diane was using the kit. She had a fair amount of the background fabric left so she used that for the sashing instead of the darker fabric. Looks great, but that linen background fabric required a certain skill set to work with. Pins, pins, and a whole lot of pins were required to make it work. Diane is now the master of using that linen fabric.

Diane's quilt

This is Linda's quilt. Linda also used the kit but she used the darker fabric in the kit for the sashing. However, she made numerous fabric changes. Her polar bear is a different fabric, one of the foxes is a different fabric and I thought she changed something else. Again, you can start with a kit, but that doesn't mean you have to use everything in the kit. Something you don't like? Swap it for something you do like.

Linda's quilt

 Go back and look at the polar bear (top left block). In Diane's version, the polar bear doesn't stand out a whole lot but look at the polar bear in Linda's quilt. Now granted, Linda did use a different fabric, but she also outlined the polar bear. I believe she used a hand embroidery stitch to do that and it makes Patty the Polar Bear pop out. Great job Linda!!!

The outline around Patty the Polar Bear

This next quilt is Lynn's. Lynn used a light blue "frosty" looking fabric for the background and she used elements of the kit for the animals and some of the blocks. Then she used a slightly darker blue for the sashing. It looks awesome!!!

Lynn's quilt

Next up was Sheila's and there were a TON of oohs and aahs when this one went up. Why? Sheila used a VERY busy print for the background and it looks amazing. Those animals stand right out from the background. She's got most of the other blocks done - they're just not sewn together yet. She used a monochromatic fabric for the sashing. This quilt is going to be stunning!!!!

Sheila's quilt

This is Valerie's quilt. I LOVE the colors. It reminds me of the Canadian North - perhaps because of the colors. But boy - those animals stand out - you can't miss any of them. A great choice of background fabric and it makes me think of the north and cold and ice! Great job!

Valerie's quilt

This next one belongs to Rosemary. She chose something totally different from everyone and went with a solid beige background. See how the animals stand out from that background. Each of the three rows is sewn together and notice that she's using the background as the sashing. She just needs to add the sashing to the bottom of the rows and sew it together. Almost there!! Awesome Rosemary!

Rosemary's quilt

Lynne did the small version and chose four blocks. She used icy blues for the background and they look amazing! She may have to do some decorative stitching around the polar bear as he does get lost or perhaps he's sitting in a blizzard. I bet that's it! The color she chose for her foxes is brilliant!!  I always say, this is the best part of the class - you get to see a ton of different ideas for block, colors, arrangement and a whole lot more. Great job !!!!!

Lynne's small quilt

She always makes a pillowcase or a cushion to match her quilts. This one was no exception. She used the seal block for the top of the cushion cover. I think a lot of people went home to copy this idea and it's a great one. Thanks for sharing!

The front of the cushion cover

For the cushion backing, she used one of the stars from one of the blocks. Now isn't that clever!!! I love it.

The back of the cushion cover

Lynne has a love/hate relationship with free motion quilting so she tends to use her walking foot and embroidery machine for the quilting. Here she did a wavy line with her walking foot. It looks awesome. I so love to see when the students in the class take the information, adapt it to what they can do and then get it done!!!

The quilting on Lynne's cushion cover

Remember Heather from the Ultimate Block class? The terrified beginner from January? Well - she's no longer a beginner. Not only did she come with a FINISHED Ultimate Block quilt, but she finished this one as well!!!!  Holy cow! She rearranged her blocks and put the foxes in the middle as that was her favorite block. Owen the Owl is grey and a few other changes. But it looks amazing!!! Heather - you've come a long way and did an outstanding job! I couldn't be happier for you! You should be very proud of yourself.

Heather's completed quilt

You notice that she used a decorative stitch on her sewing machine to stitch a line around the outline of Lucille the Seal to make her stand out a wee bit better. You can see in the picture (bottom right) that she does. Just a wee subtle line is all that's needed.

Decorative stitching to make Lucille the Seal stand out a wee bit more

 More of her quilting in the Meredith the Musk Ox block.

Detail of the quilting

Next up is another class superstar - Sara. Remember Sara from the Lilla class where she showed up with a FINISHED quilt? Well, she showed up with another finished quilt in this class. She really changed up the colors in the animals and used a solid background which showcases the animals very nicely.

Sara's FINISHED quilt

She chose to use straight lines to highlight the animals and to follow the angles made by the pieced parts. She did a fabulous job on the blocks.

Close up of the quilting

Yes - I say blocks because she quilted it "quilt as you go" (which is making a comeback - did you know???).  Here's the back of her quilt with all the joins. Very impressive Sara!!!! Notice how she pieced the smaller pieces for the blocks. She used up a lot of fabric that way.

The back of Sara's quilt

NO - we're almost done! This last one is by JoMarie. Her quilt was also quilted but needed the binding applied. She used a mottled grey for the background and the blocks look awesome. I love her color choices - look at the Lucille the Seal (middle top) - isn't that stunning? Notice that she made her borders wider as well.

JoMarie's quilt

Look what she had her friend do for her. The name of each animal was machine embroidered on the blocks. I fell in love with this idea and if you read QUILTsocial yesterday, you know that I stole that idea.

The names are machine embroidered on the blocks

If you were observant, you'll notice that the center block has a different color background. She started out with the brown, didn't like it and switched. It doesn't detract from the total look one bit. Way to go JoMarie - for not remaking that block and finding a solution!!

The center block has a different background

And there you have the show and tell.

WAIT - hell has frozen over and there's one more quilt. It's MINE. And it's quilted! I don't think that has ever happened in the history of these ongoing quilt classes. EVER!!!! Heck - most of them are still not finished! I'm so excited about this. I do love the quilt and I just need to choose between two different fabrics for the binding. I used an icy blue for the background and a slightly darker fabric for the sashing. It was quilted with a snowflake pattern and I'm thrilled with it.

My North Star quilt

I just did a quick tally. We started the year with 21 students in the class. There were 15 (not counting my quilt) finished quilts, tops or very close to being finished at the show and tell. I know there is one other that is very close to being complete, but the owner wasn't able to make it to class. So for the remaining five? If you didn't finish all the blocks - why not make something smaller like Lynne did? Get it done - use up that block(s) and don't leave it as a UFO. Then send me a picture. I'd love to have TWENTY-ONE projects - meaning at least one thing from each student!

That was so exciting!!!!!  I love it and I couldn't be happier with the results fo the class. A superb job by everyone in the class. So many of them stretched their wings and grew by stepping outside the box whether it be their fabric choices, block placement or creativity by adding the names to the blocks. What a great group!!!!

OK -- so here are two reminders for today. The Bob Ross (CherryWood) challenge is on display in Seaforth, Ontario. Hosted by The Cotton Harvest Quilt Shop. You have TODAY and TOMORROW to go and see this excellent display and perhaps pick up your PINK challenge bundle for the next challenge.

And don't forget to check out QUILTsocial today. We all embrace the technology in our smartphones, our tablets, and our computers. Well, guess what? That technology now extends to your sewing machine!!!  I'm just in love with everything and for a non-so-smart- techie (at times), I can make all that stuff sing!!!

Have a super day!!!!!


Ciao!!!!